ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

We are focused on atmospheric projects. These involve developing first-principle models using light scattering to retrieve aerosol information.
We can also forecast meteorological variables and pollutant concentration, such as aerosols and ozone, in our region using models and computer simulations. The models developed are verified by our experimental data acquired using a variety of instrumentation, including satellite data. In addition, our interests involve modeling the reflectivity and transmissivity of light by nano-defects on surfaces and their applications in remote sensors. Our work is directly applicable to better understanding atmospheric processes and improving the overall air quality.

Biophotonics

Our research interest focuses on nonlinear optical microscopy and spectroscopy with applications in biophysics. One area is developing advanced optical microscopy for molecular and cellular imaging in medical research. Nonlinear optical microscopes based upon two-photon fluorescence, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and pump-probe method, are developed to image a variety of biological tissues and cells both in vitro and in vivo. We are also developing femtosecond laser spectroscopy to study ultrafast dynamics in molecular systems, e.g. organic photovoltaics and novel two-dimensional materials.

ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE

Our research interest focuses on the computational studies using density functional theory to study structural, electronic, vibrational, magnetic, and optical properties of molecules, clusters, and solids. One area is developing computational tools to study the donor acceptor complexes that play central role in organic photovoltaics. Others areas of research include developing the electronic structure code NRLMOL with goals towards improving its efficiency, scalability and user friendliness. Please visit our group’s web page at http://quantum.utep.edu for more information.

FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS PHYSICS

Most of our research is in the field of clean energy, and currently centers on understanding the crystal structures and proton conduction mechanisms that enable certain compounds to function as fuel-cell electrolytes at intermediate temperatures. We employ x-ray and neutron scattering to investigate the crystal structures and proton dynamics mechanisms that allow these materials to perform their function. In addition, we have carried out several experiments in nano-magnetism, using dc- and ac-magnetometry to investigate the possibility of tuning the superspin relaxation dynamics in ensembles of magnetic nanoparticles via chemical manipulation.

HIGH ENERGY / NUCLEAR THEORY

Our research is focused on the properties of quark matter under extreme conditions such as high density, high temperature and strong magnetic fields. Quarks are the building blocks of neutrons and protons and they strongly interact through gluons. Even though over the last decades we have seen a lot of progress in the understanding of the properties of quark matter at the most extreme conditions, a new era of heavy-ion collision experiments is testing the limits of our theoretical knowledge. In our group we are interested in investigating the QCD-phase-map at intermediate temperatures and densities and its implications for astrophysics. For more information, please check our group seminar linkhttp://hep.utep.edu/Seminar

MATERIALS IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS MODELING

Our research focuses on material behavior at high pressures and temperatures as well as the study of material response to high strain rates of deformation, such as those produced by shock waves. Advances in large-scale computing and computational speeds have led to an increase in the accuracy and predictive power of simulations of material phenomena. Employing a variety of computational techniques, we investigate problems in shock-induced plasticity, material strength and fracture, stress-induced phase transformation and melting. We also work on developing and testing classical interatomic force-field models for modeling material behavior at extreme environments.

Optical Spectroscopy & Microscopy

Our research interests focus on optically and microscopically tailoring the properties of soft and hard condensed matter materials using Raman microscopy, Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy, Photoluminescence, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy. Such studies, of both fundamental and applied interest, provide important insights for procedure optimization in fabricating new materials important to emerging technological applications, from nanoelectronics and nanophotonics, to medical diagnostics. The students trained in this laboratory not only used advanced technology for successful completion of many degree programs
(5 Ph.D. and 7 M.S. graduates from 2007 to present), but also acquired skills leading to future employment.

Physics Education

Many students do not develop a significant understanding of physical concepts through a traditional teaching. By traditional instruction, we mean instruction that is similar in emphasis and approach to that found in most introductory classrooms, the use of end–of-chapter problems and the use of numerical and textbook problems on homework and exams. The Physics Education Research Group considers the design and implementation of research-based instructional modifications. These modifications help students to acquire a conceptual physics functional understanding. Students develop functional understanding when they transfer cognitive abilities among several physical contexts.